By Ravishankar Paranjape

Mantra Grom Search 2019

The purpose of this event has always been to identify and nurture talented young surfers under the guidance of Surfing Swami Foundation. Mantra Grom Search' 2019 was the second edition of Grom Search here in Panambur Beach, Mangalore. About 24 kids from various parts of Mulki, Mangalore & Panambur participated under the age categories of 13 and 16. The event was organised by Surfing Swami Foundation to promote Surfing & Ocean awareness among the youth.

This surfing competition had one of the best conditions for Kids who had to contest in 2-3 ft waves, high tides, and currents. Many kids showed drastic improvement in techniques and performance compared to last year. For many, it was their first time participating in a Surf contest.

M Selvam was crowned as ‘Grom of the year’ & was presented with the FireWire Seaside Machado series Board. Mr Shamanth, director of Surfing Swami Foundation said that this was based on his year-round performance in consistently raising the standard. He constantly put in the time and effort to Surf as well as learn the discipline required to excel in the field. It gives them the confidence to try new things and push their boundaries. Sanvi, being the youngest of them all, at 9 years of age swiftly rides waves thrice her size. It was pure joy to watch her best performance to date. Naman bagged the first place in under 13 category this year & has been assisting kids here in Surf techniques & how to repair a Surfboard. Chirali's performance was surely a level up than her previous ones. She approached the waves fearlessly & effortlessly rode the waves till the end.

These kids are growing up in difficult situations. By providing them with a safe and empowering environment, the Surfing Swami foundation along with Mantra Surf Club wants to give them a better life. By protecting the Ocean, Growing the Sport and giving them the exposure to making a living by Surfing. All the kids here love the Surf life & many of them aspire to grow as Professional surfers as well!

Grom Search is not just about getting the kids into a healthy active lifestyle, but also about improving their character, their family situations and help them grow through Surfing & other Water sports. These events Empower the kids to bring a positive change in their lives & the people around them.

This year saw a change in the approach of young Groms towards leadership and taking responsibility for our environment. Everyone was cheering each other and the spirit of sportsmanship was  clearly visible when they forgot about the competition and were just having fun. Even though there exists a vibe of pressure in any competition, we were glad to see many of them pushing each other to do their best & just have a good time.

We know for a fact, if we teach them to be curious towards learning, then it will take them a long way in Life. We hope that through events like these we can empower them and other kids in India to embrace the adventure lifestyle and take care of our Oceans.

The event was embraced & cheered by many local people around Mangalore. Some of our Special guests included Sasikant Senthil (DC-Mangalore), DCP Laxmi Ganesh, ACP Srinivas Gowda, Rammohan Pai (former President of KCCI , Mangalore), Yatish Baikampady (CEO of Panambur beach tourism development project), Gaurav Hegde (Director of Surfing Swami Foundation) & Henry Britto who inaugurated the event and flagged the rounds. Mr Sasikant Senthil who distributed the prizes for the winners said: "I am quite impressed by the kids’ performance and I wish these children grow in this sport and represent Nationally & Internationally in the future.”

We heart-fully extend our gratitude to Mantra Surf Club for their support. Also, we would like to thank FireWire Surfboards, Adventure Worx & Thundermonkey Surf Gear who sponsored merchandise for all winners of the competition.

Here is a list of our best performers:


Under 16 Boys 
1st Place - Selvam
2nd Place - Praveen
3rd Place - Subbu


Under 13 Boys 
1st Place - Naman
2nd Place - Akash
3rd Place - Prakash


Girls Open 
1st Place - Chirali
2nd Place - Akhila
3rd Place - Sanvi

Although, these are the ones who bagged the prizes, all the participants performed to their best of abilities and had a great time.

As the saying goes, “The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun.

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By Ravishankar Paranjape

Mantra Beach Cleanup – November 2018

Surfing Swami Foundation organized a massive beach clean-up for the second time this year post-monsoons to clean up the pristine beaches of Hejamady & Mulki where Mantra Surf Club has popularised the sport of surfing over a decade now. 
A total of 300 volunteers gathered for the beach clean-up campaign which included mostly college students from Alva's College, Manipal Dental College, Mulki Scouts and Guides and members of various organizations i.e Mangalore Bicycle Club, Thyme Family Restaurant
The volunteers assembled early in the morning at around 7:00 AM at Mantra Surf Club, who were ferried across the river on boats to the beach where they were briefed about the collection and segregation of waste materials. Various wastes were carefully segregated into plastics, glass bottles, rubber and bio-degradable wastes which were later transported in plastic bags to waste treatment plant
The occasion was graced by Mr. Sasikanth Senthil.S, Deputy Commissioner of  Dakshina Kannada and Saurabh Dubey, Joint Commissioner, Income Tax Department of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. They lauded the effort put in by all the organizers, students and Mantra Surf Club which has been actively involved in the beach clean up programs for over a decade now. They also spoke about the necessity of regular beach clean up programs and long-term solution to waste disposal.
Surfing Swami Foundation is determined to continue playing a major role in the beach clean up programs and initiatives with Government agencies, private organizations and corporate bodies to free Karnataka coastline of plastics. Although Surfing Swami [Jack Hebner] wasn't there with us today he was there in spirits and it's always been his wish to see our pristine coastline free of plastic and other wastes.
Surfing Swami Foundation would also like to thank our sponsors Yakshi Communications, Mantra Surf Club and Manipal Dental College for graciously contributing towards the cleanup campaign.
Surfing Swami Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting, nurturing and empowering young underprivileged boys & girls from coastal villages with surfing being one of the key proponents. Ocean conservation and awareness programs are also some of the initiatives taken up by Surfing Swami Foundation. 
Mantra Surf Club is India's first and premiere surfing club dedicated to pastimes of surfing and other water sports activities. Members of the Mantra Surf Club are passionate about surfing, ocean conservation, and community development. 
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Surfing Swami Foundation - Mantra Beach Clean Up - 2018
By swami

Mantra Beach Clean Up – September 2018

Surfing Swami Foundation organized a massive annual beach clean-up and awareness program in association with Mantra Surf Club.

A total of 80 volunteers gathered for the beach clean up which included young students, enthusiastic locals, volunteers from South Africa, Austria, and members of Mantra Surf Club. The volunteers assembled early in the morning at around 7:00 AM at Mantra Surf Club and continued beach clean up until 9:30 AM. Over 100 bags of various wastes were carefully segregated into plastics, glass bottles, rubber and bio-degradable wastes which were later transported in plastic bags to waste treatment plant.

Mr. Saurabh Dubey, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax, Mangalore, Mr. Yatish Baikampady, CEO, Panambur Beach Development Authority,  and Mr. Gaurav Hegde, Secretary, Kanara Small Industries Association headed the beach clean-up program today. They also spoke about the necessity of regular beach clean up programs and long-term solution to waste disposal.

Surfing Swami Foundation is determined to play a major role in educating and supporting these initiatives with Government agencies, private organizations and corporate bodies.

Although Surfing Swami [Jack Hebner] wasn't there with us today due to his travel schedule he was there in spirits and His brother Jefferson Carr (Goswami) represented Surfing Swami and carried the same spirit in inspiring an motivating us.

Surfing Swami Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting, nurturing and empowering young underprivileged boys & girls from coastal villages with surfing being one of the key proponents. Ocean conservation and awareness programs are also some of the initiatives taken up by Surfing Swami Foundation. 

Mantra Surf Club is India's first and premiere surfing club dedicated to pastimes of surfing and other water sports activities. Members of Mantra Surf Club are passionate about surfing, ocean conservation, and community development. 

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By swami

Beat Plastic Pollution – 2018

Beat Plastic Pollution - 2018

The Coastal Development Authority had taken the initiative to organize “Beat Plastic Pollution” campaign which was supported by Surfing Swami Foundation, Panambur Beach Development Authority and Canara Surfing and Water Sports Promotional Council. The campaign saw over 350 students from various educational and surfing institutions from around Mangaluru. The aim of the campaign was to clean the beaches of the coastal beaches of Mangaluru. The volunteers had collected over 500bags of various wastes. Carefully segregated into plastics, rubber, glass bottles and biodegradable waste which was transported to waste treatment plant. Surfing Swami Foundation plans to work with District Administrations and educational institutions to hold such programs monthly throughout the Karnataka coast. 

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By swami

Mantra Grom Search – 2018

Mantra Grom Search 2018

The inaugural event “Mantra Grom Search organized” under Surfing Swami Foundation was a great success with 25 Kids participating under the age categories of 12 and 16 at Sasihithlu Beach. The event was part of the Beach Festival organized by the village of Sasihithlu to promote its pristine beaches. 

The aim of the event was to identify and nurture talented young surfers under the aegis of Surfing Swami Foundation. The event was well supported by Mantra Surf Club, Mulki and surf schools from Panambur, Bengre, and Tannirbhavi.  

The surfing competition had one of the most challenging conditions for Kids who had to contest in 5-6 ft waves, high tides, and currents. For many, it was their first time participating in a surf contest. 

Surfing Swami Foundation plans to hold at least 2 such annual events in order to promote surfing amongst young kids along the coastline of Karnataka. 

We heart-fully extend our gratitude to Adventure Worx and Thundermonkey Surf Gear who supported by giving out merchandise for winners of the competition. 

The results are 

Under 13 Boys 
Naman (1st), Praveen (2nd), Subramani (3rd), 

Under 12 Girls
Bhrithi (1st), Chirali (2nd), Vamsi (3rd)

Under 16 Boys
Rijju (1st), Praveen (2nd), Selvam (3rd)

Under 16 Girls
Bhrithi(1st), Stuthi (2nd), Akhila (3rd) 

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By swami

Mantra Beach Clean Up – 2017

Mantra Beach Clean Up

Surfing Swami Foundation organized a massive annual beach clean-up and awareness program in association with Mantra Surf Club which was funded and supported by Chris Burkard Studio and prAna. 

A total of 80 volunteers gathered for the beach clean up which included young students, enthusiastic locals and members of Mantra Surf Club. The volunteers assembled early in the morning at around 6:00 AM at Mantra Surf Club and continued beach clean up until 9:00 AM. Over 200 bags of Various wastes were carefully segregated into plastics, glass bottles, rubber and bio-degradable wastes which were later transported in plastic bags to waste treatment plant. 

Mr. Yatish Baikampady, CEO, Panambur Beach Devlepment Authority and Mr. Gaurav Hegde, Secretary, Kanara Small Industires Association headed the beach clean-up program today. They also spoke about the necessity of regular beach clean up programs and long-term solution to waste disposal. They have pioneered many beach clean-up drives and development activities along the coastline of Karnataka. 

Surfing Swami Foundation is determined to play a major role in educating and supporting these initiatives with Government agencies, private organizations and corporate bodies. 

Although Surfing Swami [Jack Hebner] wasn't there with us today due to his travel schedule he was there in spirits and it's always been his wish to see our pristine coastline free of plastic and other waste materials. 

Surfing Swami Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting, nurturing and empowering young underprivileged boys & girls from coastal villages with surfing being one of the key proponents. Ocean conservation and awareness programs are also some of the initiatives taken up by Surfing Swami Foundation. 

Mantra Surf Club is India's first and premiere surfing club dedicated to pastimes of surfing and other water sports activities. Members of Mantra Surf Club are passionate about surfing, ocean conservation, and community development. 

 Chris Burkard Studio - Chris Burkard is a world-renowned travel adventure photographer who was recently in India on a surf trip with members of Mantra Surf Club. He was gracious enough to donate his ticket proceedings from his successful premiere of Under an Arctic Sky movie in India towards Surfing Swami Foundation and it's initiatives. 

 prAna - An outdoor apparel brand based out of California, U.S.A, prAna believes in sustainable products and fair trade practices. prAna recently toured India with members of Mantra Surf Club and supported Chris's movie screening in India and initiatives of Surfing Swami Foundation. 

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By swami

Surf Trip with PrAna

​Recently, members of Mantra Surf Club and Surfing Swami Foundation, Rammohan Paranjape and Kishore Kumar did a surf trip with PrAna, a sustainable clothing and apparel brand from California along with renowned travel adventure photographer Chris Burkard. 

During the busy schedule of their travels across South India, they managed to organize the screening of "Under an Arctic Sky" a movie by Chris Burkard which documents the journey to the most remote corner of Iceland in the middle of winter in search of perfect surf.
 
The screening took place at The Humming Tree, Bangalore with two sold-out shows and nearly 450 tickets sold. The crowd were enthusiastic and appreciated the movie which showcased the grit and determination of the surfers braving the worst storm in the last 25 years to find perfect waves and surfing it under the northern lights. 
 
Chris Burkard Studios were kind enough to donate the proceeds from the screening of the movie to Surfing Swami Foundation to support many of its surfing & conservation initiatives in India. 
 
Surfing Swami and all the members of Surfing Swami Foundation would like to thank PrAna, Chris Burkard and his team for their generosity. We wish them best in all their endeavors. 
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By swami

PM Modi Wishes Happy Birthday, India Is Two Years Old

India, the daughter of Co-Vice Chairman, Jonty Rodhes and wife Melanie is two years old.
‘Happy Birthday India, From India’. PM Narendra Modi Wishes Jonty Rhode’s daughter a happy birthday. A special birthday wish came from the 1.2 billion people of the country she was named after. PM Narendra Modi wished the 2-year-old, who is named India, and said, “Happy Birthday to India, From India”

See more here!

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By swami

ANNOUNCEMENT

We are happy to announce that as of last month the Surfing Swami Foundation is now officially registered with the government of India as a non-profit organization. Future announcements will be posted to inform you, our friends and the public how to help support the Surfing Swami Foundation and our projects of promoting surfing and ocean awareness in India. Thank you.

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By swami

Beach Clean Up Feb 2017

Today was a blistering HOT day in the sun for hours cleaning up the seemingly endless trash of every description, mostly plastic, old shoes and bottles, some of which washes in from the Arabian Sea and the rest of it washing down stream in the river past many villages and into the sea, which then spits it onto the beach. The extent of the trash boggles the mind, stretching for several kilometers in both directions. Cleaning up this mess,  which we attempt several times a year, is factually beyond the ability of our small crew from SSF and Mantra Surf Club. We need your help!

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